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Perfect Trip

Sail Date:
December 2013

Destination:
Australia & New Zealand

Embarkation:
Auckland

My husband and I celebrated our 50th birthdays with this cruise on a recommendation from trusted friends. We sailed Aqua class and enjoyed the extra benefits, especially the Blu dining room. The ship was at capacity, about 2800 passengers with only 200 children but it is so big it never felt crowded.

Our cabin was deck 11 midship starboard with the bed by the balcony windows so we could enjoy the views of the land each morning from bed. We also had the overhang from the upper deck which gave us extra protection from the elements. Occasionally we could hear a little upper deck noise from our balcony, just chairs scraping, but this was not audible in the cabin and was of no consequence.

The cabin steward was excellent, nothing was too much trouble and we enjoyed the towel animals, fruit, water and flavoured teas each day.

The food was excellent, Blu had a different menu each night and breakfast was delicious - great service, friendly atmosphere and creme More
brûlée to die for! Canapés were served each afternoon in the suite if requested, we ate in the Oceanview cafe and the Mast Grill for lunch and used the main dining room once. Room service was efficient, you can order by phone or through the interactive TV.

We are not big drinkers but enjoyed Michael's Club and the Molecular Bar which served delicious cocktails (try the cocktail tasting, it's very entertaining)

Aqua class gave us early embarkation at 1130 and this was handled well and was relatively quick. We also had unlimited access to the Persian garden and relaxation room and we made the most of this among everything else there was to do. The gym is fantastic, lots of high end equipment, busy at times but I never had to wait for a machine.

We did our own thing in the ports, preferring smaller groups. There was no need to pre book anything, there was plenty of options once you disembarked, right on the dock.

We enjoyed the shows we attended, especially the dancers. The true highlight was Jane Cho who played the electric violin on the second to last night.

For on board activities, the standout is definitely the Hot Glass Show, you have to experience it for yourself, we went back as many times as we could.

We had a great holiday, this cruise was everything we had hoped, just as described and I am sure Aqua Class added to the experience.

Thanks to all of the cruise critics that have reviewed and advised in the past, we appreciated the tips, the top three were magnets for the notices, invitations etc, a power board for extra plugs and extra wire coat hangers ( we left for the next guests). Less

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Cabin review: Celebrity Solstice 1580

Mid ship, deck 11 , starboard. The bed in next to the balcony windows. There is the overhang from the deck above which gives extra protection from the elements if needed. Bathroom well set out and great shower set up.